Clydebank 2
Brechin City 0
League Cup (Group 9)

Match Report

Following their impressive draw against Chelsea the previous week, Clydebank continued their good form with a convincing victory over Brechin City at Kilbowie on Saturday.

Newly-signed striker Jim Fleming, who was Stirling Albion's top scorer in their recent promotion to the First Division, announced himself with a brace for the home side. His goals could threaten Tony Moy's position as the club's top scorer this season.

The first half was an exciting affair with both teams creating chances but failing to find the net. There were several near misses as both sides settled into the game, with Clydebank gradually taking control towards the end of the first 45 minutes.

The deadlock was broken in the 59th minute when Fleming met a King pass and smashed the ball high into the corner of the net, leaving the Brechin goalkeeper and defence helpless. This was not Fleming's first opportunity, as he had narrowly missed a similar chance just minutes earlier.

Brechin responded strongly to going behind, throwing everything at the Clydebank defence in a determined attempt to equalise. However, the Bankies' back line remained resolute, denying them any clear opportunities.

The weather played its part in the match, with a heavy downpour midway through the first half forcing fans to seek shelter. The players were also affected by the deluge, with visibility momentarily hampered.

Thankfully, the weather calmed down for the second half, allowing the 2,000-strong crowd to witness a skilful display from both teams, with Clydebank maintaining a slight edge.

Fleming doubled his tally in the 68th minute, tapping in a Rutherford cross from close range. Despite this comfortable lead, the game entered a tense period as Brechin threatened an unlikely comeback.

Within five minutes, Tocher rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike. Burns followed with a long-range effort that forced a diving save from Dick Madden, before Ward narrowly missed with a shot from an O'Donnell pass.

Brechin looked to change their fortunes with a tactical substitution in the 80th minute, introducing 12th man Tulloch in place of Sandeman. However, this gamble failed to pay off, and Clydebank held on to secure a well-deserved victory.

Match report written by Adapted by Stuart McBay